This year, at our annual Give Party with The Gypsy Wagon, that benefits The Rise School of Dallas, we decided to serve up some Pomegranate Margaritas as our specialty cocktail for the event. One of the shoppers asked me what my secret was, and I told her that even though it should remain a secret that I would share. ha!

So here are the secrets to make these delicious, now coined by Carley of The Gypsy Wagon, Pomaritas.

Note: Don’t skimp on the pomegranate liquor. I already tried the cheap stuff for you and you will want to pass on it… unless you think cough syrup is delicious. If you are going to skimp, you can on the tequila. A good, inexpensive, one is Sauza.

My sister rocks at this. This is her list. Did I mention she trained at the French Culinary Institute? My girl knows food!. I would love your comments for ideas. For some reason, my mind always goes blank when I try to think of things to serve. Gratefully, I can easily refer to this list now!Appetizers

–Sushi (only veggie or California rolls– don’t want seafood sitting out)—- always a hit!
— Olive tampenade with goat cheese on crustini. (very easy, make tampenade ahead of time. Toast just before party. Spread tampenade on sliced french bread top with goat cheese and bake for few minutes, until cheese looks like it is melting. (Bring tampenade to room temp– take out of frig morning of party). YUMMY– always a crowd pleaser
–Mini crab cakes — always a hit
–Crab dip– the real stuff
–Pizza dip, serve with pita points
–Brie with pesto and toasted almonds serve with crackers
–Pimento cheese with crackers, on sliced half (lengthwise) jalapeno, or with celery
–Candied/Spiced Pecans——– yummy (any left overs — save them for a salad!)
–Deviled eggs– a must. For those who are on a low carb diet (Fun twist– cut eggs in half at the fat part, not the length. You may want to cut a little off the bottom, so the don’t slide on plate. Makes them look more elegant to me!) Top with caviar on some if you like.
–Veggies with ranch. Seems dull, but I still love it. Plus it is very colorful (Cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, carrots….. )
–Smoked Salmon with crackers/bread (chopped red onion, boiled eggs, capers, lemon, cream cheese)
-Meatballs
-Dates with bacon—– VERY easy and good. Dates (seedless) dried. Wrap with bacon– bake until bacon is done.
–Warm goat cheese with marinara served with bread
–Warm goat cheese spread with thyme. served with bread
–Guacamole with chips– YUM
–Goat cheese on puff pastry squares or circles with sliced apples on top, garnish with thyme
–Spanakopita Phyllo /spinach/red onion/feta/dill/salt/pepper/butter—– a little time consuming
–Texas Caviar with blue chips (Salsa with either black-eyed peas or black beans– dress it up a bit– cilantro, garlic, etc….)
–Canapés
–9 layer bean dip
–Hummus with pita
— Caprese’ Tomato/fresh mozz/fresh basil (or pesto) salad– with balsamic drizzle
–Mini quesadillas– black bean and goat cheese/ shrimp/cheddar
–Shrimp cocktail with cocktail (only with good shrimp)
–Chicken salad with bread/crackers (Chicken, candied pecans, blue cheese (if you want), mayo, grapes, salt/pepper)——– again, if someone is on low carb

Drinks
–Sangria (yummy– drinks for the masses at very little cost!)
–Champagne drinks– Royal Kir with fresh berries or I like to use frozen (keeps drink cold) — put Chambord in with frozen berries, put into bottom of wine glass, then pour champagne.
–Mojitos
–Margaritas

Combine 2 TBS of Salt with warm water in a large bowl (large enough to hold chicken wings). After salt dissolves, add chicken. Add cold water to cover the chicken and top off with ice. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Drain chicken and pat dry. Place salt and flour in brown or plastic bag. Place a few wings in at a time to coat. Shake off excess flour. Repeat with all pieces.

Put butter on a sheet pan and put into oven until it melts. Place chicken skin side down onto the pan with melted butter. Cook up to 40 minutes. Flip and bake for about another 20 minutes (based on wing size).

Once chicken is done, take out and douse into the Buffalo Sauce mixture.